Surf Fishing Advice

[kiddiedoc]

Heading to the panhandle and the location is supposed to be good for surf fishing. Any advice on a basic set up? Gander has a "Catfish" Ugly stick combo with a large spinning reel that the guy there recommended for $50. Will probably use live bait.

[golfballs]

Originally Posted by kiddiedoc

Heading to the panhandle and the location is supposed to be good for surf fishing. Any advice on a basic set up? Gander has a "Catfish" Ugly stick combo with a large spinning reel that the guy there recommended for $50. Will probably use live bait.

Funny you posted this. I was about to start this same thread.

I want to surf fish for pompano in s Carolina next month.

[tennessee391]

can't go wrong with live shrimp.

[Volsbackto1998]

live shrimp can be a pain if the surf is rough, but if you salt cure your shrimp it will last a lot longer on your hook. How to Salt Cure Shrimp Bait For Surf Fishing If you have a day to do it.

[hndog609]

Find a local fishing shop online and call or email them. Also check fishing forums located in the area and see what they have to say or even even join the board and ask for local advice.

[Panthro]

You are going to struggle with sea grass this late in the summer. I go to the panhandle in early June to avoid this. Was still a problem this year.
I use frozen shrimp with a mako 8' combo. It's probably too big for what I actually catch, I just want to be ready for a shark one day with my 20 lb. test.
You might catch ladyfish. They will bite anything and they put up a fight.

[mdrew27]

If you have any grass forget about it. Find a local walk in on the intercoastal side and wade. You can stay cool and don't have to wrestle the waves.

[golfballs]

What are the chances of being able to rent the gear?

[jp1]

You can also buy a cheap thrownet and catch your own bait. Greenbacks are plentiful. Aside from that go with shrimp. I prefer lighter gear because you rarely catch anything huge and its easier to handle in the water.

[Panthro]

I wouldn't say forget about it entirely if there is any grass, you'll just have to be creative. If you have some stones, you can walk out to the sandbar and just cast from there. Just don't have shrimp in your pocket or you really will be featured on shark week.
I highly recommend renting a kayak and taking that out. I did that with a guy this year and we got some whiting.

[MannyD]

Not quite what you asked, but if you don't have luck in the surf and have easy access to a backwater canal / waterway, the flounder bite may be on. Minnows.

[Professor Nono]

The deal with surf fishing is that you need a long rod. This has always been a problem for me. . . . . . . Hence, I found a 12 foot rod at Bass Pro for $29.00. If you live in Tennessee, you should have not qualms about buying throw aways. The reason you want the longun's is that goofy people walking up the beach always get tangled up in yer line if it ain't hoisted way high. And if I have to put down my jar of apple pie shine and get up out of my chair to fix the line when there aint a fish on it, I get pissed. Pissed off hillbilly's on shine at the beach aint a pretty picture. Don't be a pissed off hillbilly on shine, buy the longun at BassPro.

[utfantilidie]

Professor NoNo been smokin crack crack out by the crick crick.

[Professor Nono]

Naw- jus dont make me git up outa tha chair.

[kiddiedoc]

We are going to Cape San Blas, and we may be able to fish in the bay, as well. Thanks for the advice...heading to Gander or Bass Pro for a long stick.